Boss Pochettino said his job is to “help” his 21-year-old star — and dropped him to the bench for the win over Brighton two weeks ago.

Alli returned at Manchester City last Saturday, but was lucky not to be red-carded for a horrible challenge on Kevin De Bruyne during a painful 4-1 defeat.

After admitting Sean Dyche’s team are now genuine rivals for a Champions League place, Pochettino hinted Alli will be unleashed at Turf Moor to rediscover his scoring touch.

Tottenham fans haven't celebrated an Alli goal since he got two on November 1 (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“Against Real Madrid at Wembley, he scored twice and nearly scored a hat-trick,” he said. “Against Liverpool [in October, when hosts Spurs won 4-1], I think it was his best game.

“I think Dele Alli is a massive talent and player.

“It’s the same if you said to me, 'Why does Harry Kane play always?' There is no doubt about that. For Tottenham, Dele Alli is so important.”

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Asked why the double Young Player of the Year had not reached the levels of the last two seasons, Pochettino said cryptically: “I cannot guess. It’s true that every season is completely different for every player.

“We change — different challenge, different reality. One year more, all the situations that happen in your life, from one season to another.

“But it’s so important now, to translate to him the trust, to push him to try to improve, because he’s a massive talent, and such an important player for us — and England.

“In the end, it’s not only that he needs to perform for Tottenham, if not at the end of the season — it’s the World Cup in six months.”

Chris Wood scored a late equaliser in August's reverse fixture — after Alli had given Spurs the lead – to earn a point which keeps Burnley above Tottenham in the table entering the weekend.

Asked if the Lancashire club can keep it going and qualify for the Champions League, Pochettino said: “Of course — two years ago, Leicester won the Premier League!

“They are doing so well. It will be tough, because they are competing with big sides, and so are we, but in football anything can happen.”